1730 Proposed revision to the state implementation plan for the Reading fine particulate matter nonattainment area; public hearing
Proposed Revision to the State Implementation Plan for the Reading Fine Particulate Matter Nonattainment Area; Public Hearing [43 Pa.B. 5661]
[Saturday, September 21, 2013]Particulate matter (PM) includes both solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Fine particle pollution describes particulate matter that is less than or equal to 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5). PM2.5 concentrations above the Federal health-based standard pose a serious human health threat. Air quality in the Reading PM2.5 Nonattainment Area, consisting of Berks County, has improved and now meets the 1997 PM2.5 health-based standards. Therefore, the Department of Environmental Protection (Department) plans to submit a request to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to redesignate this area to attainment.
The Department is seeking public comment on this request and on a proposed State Implementation Plan revision containing the 2007 comprehensive inventory and a maintenance plan demonstrating that the area can maintain the standard for the next 10 years as required under section 175A(a) of the Federal Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C.A. § 7505a(a)). Upon EPA approval, the maintenance plan will also establish new motor vehicle emission budgets for purposes of transportation conformity.
The request to redesignate the area to attainment and the proposed State Implementation Plan revision are available on the Department's web site at www.dep.state.pa.us (choose ''Air,'' choose ''Bureau of Air Quality,'' choose ''Regs/Plan,'' choose ''Clean Air Plans'') or through the contact persons listed as follows.
The Department will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the proposal on Wednesday, October 23, 2013, at 11 a.m. at the Department's Reading District Office, 1005 Crossroads Boulevard, Reading, PA 19605. Persons wishing to present testimony at the hearing should contact Alex Haas, P. O. Box 8468, Harrisburg, PA 17105, (717) 787-9495, alehaas@pa.gov to reserve a time. Witnesses should keep testimony to 10 minutes and should provide two written copies of their statement at the hearing.
If by October 21, 2013, no person has expressed an interest in testifying at the hearing, the hearing will be cancelled. The Department will notify the public if the hearing is cancelled on the Bureau of Air Quality web page at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/default.htm. Persons may also contact the Department to find out if the hearing is cancelled by contacting Alex Haas at (717) 787-9495 or alehaas@pa.gov.
Persons with a disability who wish to attend the hearing and require an auxiliary aid, service or other accommodation to participate in the proceeding should contact Alex Haas at the previously listed phone number and e-mail address. TDD users may contact the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 to discuss how the Department can best accommodate their needs.
The Department must receive comments no later than October 25, 2013. Written comments should be sent to the attention of Nancy Herb, Bureau of Air Quality, P. O. Box 8468, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8468, nherb@pa.gov. Use ''Reading PM2.5 Redesignation'' as the subject line in written communication.
E. CHRISTOPHER ABRUZZO,
Secretary[Pa.B. Doc. No. 13-1730. Filed for public inspection September 20, 2013, 9:00 a.m.]
